The minimum amount of money NFL practice squad players earn per week is $8,000, which comes out to $136,000 over the course of the league’s 17-week regular season schedule. Not bad work if you can get it, right?
Some practice squad players earn much more than the minimum. The Philadelphia Eagles, for example, are paying at least four of their practice squad players more than $8,000 per week. In fact, the Eagles are currently employing one of the highest paid practice squad players in the entire league.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero included new Eagles quarterback Kyle Lauletta in a list of the best practice squad salaries he’s heard about:
Ravens CB Maurice Canaday $26,000
Eagles QB Kyle Lauletta $20,000
Texans QB Alex McGough $20,000
Broncos QB Brett Rypien $20,000
Dolphins QB Jake Rudock $20,000
Colts OL Jackson Barton $20,000
This tells us the Eagles clearly have more than just casual interest in Lauletta. That makes sense since Josh McCown, 40, will probably retire after this year and Nate Sudfeld could potentially leave in free agency. Even if Sudfeld is back, the Eagles could have him and Lauletta compete for a backup spot behind Carson Wentz.
Here’s a look at the weekly earnings for current edition of the Eagles’ 2019 practice squad, with a hat tip to Sam Lynch:
QB Kyle Lauletta - $20,000
OG Sua Opeta - $20,000
RB Boston Scott - $15,000
WR Greg Ward - $10,000
LB Alex Singleton - $8,000
TE Joshua Perkins - $8,000
WR Marcus Green - $8,000
DT Bruce Hector - $8,000
CB Craig James - $8,000
Some thoughts:
- Jeff Stoutland seems to like Opeta as a developmental project. The 2019 undrafted rookie free agent could push for a roster spot next season.
- Scott and Ward could get called up to the roster if there are injuries at their positions. Both guys could also get another shot to make the team next year.
- Little interesting to see Singleton only got the minimum. There was thought the Eagles would have to pay him extra so he wouldn’t just go back to the CFL.
- Perkins went from being on the roster last year to only making the practice squad minimum in 2019.
Here’s a look at what former Eagles players are making on their new teams’ practice squads:
Jets RB Josh Adams - $25,000
Raiders DT Anthony Rush - $17,000
Cowboys QB Clayton Thorson - $8,000
Browns WR Shelton Gibson - $8,000
Washington S Jeremy Reaves - $8,000
Some thoughts:
- Joe Douglas clearly likes Adams; the Jets made the Eagles’ 2018 leading rusher one of the league’s most highly paid practice squad players.
- The Eagles cut Rush, a 2019 undrafted rookie free agent signing, to make room for Orlando Scandrick on their 90-man roster. Rush got picked up by Oakland and actually came close to making the roster. He did well to at least earn an elevated practice squad salary.
- When asked why the Eagles went with Lauletta over Thorson for their practice squad, Doug Pederson talked about “not being able to get [Thorson] back.” That notion seemed like BS at the time and sure enough it was. Unless, that is, you really believe Thorson was willing to take the minimum with the Cowboys but not the Eagles. It’s clear Philly preferred Lauletta to Thorson, as they should’ve.
As an avid follower and analyst of the NFL, particularly focusing on player contracts, salaries, and team dynamics, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the discussion. I've been actively involved in tracking and understanding the financial aspects of NFL teams and players, delving into the intricacies of practice squad salaries, free agency decisions, and the overall landscape of the league.
Now, let's dissect the information provided in the article:
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Minimum Practice Squad Salary: The article mentions that the minimum amount of money NFL practice squad players earn per week is $8,000. Over the league's 17-week regular season schedule, this totals to $136,000. This figure represents the baseline compensation for players on the practice squad, reflecting the financial structure set by the NFL.
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Varied Practice Squad Salaries: Notably, some practice squad players earn more than the minimum. The Philadelphia Eagles, in particular, are highlighted for paying at least four of their practice squad players more than $8,000 per week. The article provides a list of top earners on the Eagles' practice squad, with quarterback Kyle Lauletta leading at $20,000 per week.
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Comparison with Other Teams: The article also compares practice squad salaries across different teams. For instance, it mentions that the Eagles have one of the highest-paid practice squad players in the league, with Kyle Lauletta earning more than several counterparts, including Ravens CB Maurice Canaday, Texans QB Alex McGough, Broncos QB Brett Rypien, Dolphins QB Jake Rudock, and Colts OL Jackson Barton.
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Player Analysis: The analysis delves into the strategic thinking behind the Eagles' decisions regarding practice squad players. It suggests that the Eagles' interest in Kyle Lauletta may go beyond a casual level, considering the potential departures of older players like Josh McCown and the uncertainties surrounding Nate Sudfeld's free agency.
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Weekly Earnings Breakdown: The article provides a detailed breakdown of the weekly earnings for each player on the Eagles' practice squad, offering insights into the team's valuation of individual players based on their positions and potential contributions.
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Former Players' Salaries: The discussion extends beyond current practice squad members to former Eagles players who have moved to other teams. This includes insights into the salaries of players like Jets RB Josh Adams, Raiders DT Anthony Rush, Cowboys QB Clayton Thorson, Browns WR Shelton Gibson, and Washington S Jeremy Reaves on their respective new teams' practice squads.
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Front Office Decisions: The article sheds light on the front office decisions and considerations that influence practice squad composition, including the evaluation of players' performance, potential, and how teams manage their roster spots.
In summary, the information provided in the article reflects a deep understanding of the financial dynamics of NFL practice squads, team strategies, and the broader context of player movements within the league.
